Return of the ring riding: Meetzen celebrates traditional tournament!

Return of the ring riding: Meetzen celebrates traditional tournament!

After half a century of waiting silence, the popular ring riding will finally revive again in meters. On June 21, 2023, the traditional horse port event, which the village community once connected through its solemn removals and competitions, is to bring back the riding spirit. As Nordkurier , Florian Dick, who had this idea over 20 years, has now managed to do the ring riding with the district championships to the domestic cultural landscape.

The last ring riding in the region took place in 1970 and fell into the time of the war -related withdrawal of the landlord of Meetzen, who had over 150 horses and used many of them for military purposes. However, the horses were not only used for acts of war, but also found their place in leisure activities, such as at the popular ring riding events on the so -called chicken square, which were celebrated as folk festivals.

Tradition meets competition

The ring riding itself is an exciting equestrian sport, in which the rider in the gallop try to piss on rings with a lance or a ring cliff. This flexibly designed sport has its origins in medieval tournaments, where it was about skill and accuracy - regardless of whether in Northern Germany, Nordschleswig or on the Dutch Peninsula Walcheren; Ring riding is practiced passionately everywhere. As also describes wikipedia , the tournaments often take place in rural regions and are framed by folk festivals where the sociable coexistence of residents and riders is in the foreground.

The upcoming tournament in Meetzen begins at 1 p.m. with the leading rein class, and spectators can be excited to see who will secure the title of the district master. In addition to the competitions, there is also a lot to offer for the little visitors: bouncy castles, face painting and of course coffee and cake ensure a colorful supporting program that will not only attract the riders but also the families.

a look into the past

Erich Juchen, an 88-year contemporary witness, told during the preparations for the event of the glorious times of ring riding. His memories are witnesses of a tradition that is also interwoven with the history of the region. Above all, the atmosphere of the folk festivals and the community, which promoted the ring riding, seem to have remained unforgettable. Juchen remembers how crowds of riders and spectators made the festival a very special event.

The new format is held at several locations in the region - including the chestnut, Schlagbrügge and Börzow - and will culminate in a final in Wedendorf. Participants under the age of 18 and adults are expected to compete in an exciting competition.

The ring riding not only has a tradition, but was also recognized for its local importance. As schleswig-holstein.de it is now part of the intangible cultural heritage of Schleswig-Holstein and is therefore representative of the identity and culture the affected regions. UNESCO has given this tradition its recognition, which shows how important such customs are for the village communities.

So it is clear: the ring riding in Meetzen is not only a return to the roots, but also a step into the future of local customs. If everything goes well, it could soon be called: the ring rider king of Meetzen will soon rose again in the splendor of tradition!